Volvo 850

vs

Volvo Amazon

Sweden vs Sweden — 1994 vs 1967

Volvo 850 (1994)
Volvo Amazon (1967)
Specifications
850 T-5RAmazon 123GT
Horsepower240 hp115 hp
Torque243 lb-ft115 lb-ft
Engine Size2,319 cc1,780 cc
0-60 mph6.2 sec11.0 sec
Top Speed152 mph109 mph
¼ Mile14.7 sec17.8 sec
Weight3,263 lbs2,381 lbs
Wheelbase2,665 mm2,590 mm
Length4,660 mm4,450 mm
Units Produced6,6141,528
Original MSRP$36,500$3,300
Value (Excellent)$50,000$65,000
Collectibility7/108/10
Rarity7/108/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1994 Volvo 850 T-5R brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1967 Volvo Amazon 123GT answers with lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

Volvo has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1994 Volvo 850 T-5R with the 1967 Volvo Amazon 123GT highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1994 Volvo 850 T-5R holds a clear advantage in raw power with 240 hp compared to 115 hp, a 125-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Volvo 850 uses a Inline-5 Turbo DOHC 20V displacing 2,319 cc, while the Volvo Amazon relies on a Inline-4 OHV with 1,780 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1994 Volvo 850 T-5R edges ahead at 6.2 seconds versus 11.0 seconds. The Volvo Amazon carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 882 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,528 units built, the 1967 Volvo Amazon 123GT is considerably scarcer than the Volvo 850's 6,614 examples.